* A note to the Jewish community – Like most ethnic groups Jewish people think of themselves as special. It is human nature. We like to think that we are intelligent and aware. We have a history of emphasizing education for our children. Has something been added to our matzo ball soup to make us susceptible to mishegoss political advertising? Polls show that a segment of Jews are concerned that Barack Obama will not be a friend of Israel. Is it based on knowledge or Republican ads and slime emails that say be wary of Obama, his middle name is Hussein? Lets not be shnooks. Is there any evidence that as a Senator he sought policies that would be harmful to Israel? Did you listen to Obama’s comments when he visited Israel in July? Obama said,"The most important thing for me to share is the historic and special relationship between the United States and Israel, one that cannot be broken… One that I have affirmed throughout my career and one that I will intend to not only continue but strengthen in an Obama administration."
If you want specifics about where Obama stands on Israel stop reading farblongjid emails and visit the Obama sight where he presents his position on 3 key policy matters:
Ensure a Strong U.S.-Israel Partnership
Support Israel's Right to Self Defense
Support Foreign Assistance to Israel
It should also be noted that Obama selected as his running mate Joe Biden, the Senator from Delaware with a proven record of support for Israel. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) recently released a statement saying, “Biden is a strong backer of U.S.–Israel ties and a leader in the fight against Palestinian terrorism.”
Another subject of utmost importance to Jews is religious freedom. As a people we have a long history in this area. In my lifetime American Jews could not attend certain schools, would not be hired by many corporations, would not be accepted in many neighborhoods and could not become a member of many country and private clubs. Much has changed for the good over the last several decades for all ethnic groups and none of us want to go backward. What was your reaction when John McCain said, “America is a Christian nation?” This was my reaction on October 4, 2007. Recall that John McCain bent over backwards to attract the support of the Christian Right – a group that wants its interpretation of the Almighty to be the policy of the United States of America. McCain then chose Sarah Palin as his running mate – a woman who embodies this same right-wing Christian fundamentalist philosophy. If this group had its way and, God forbid, your daughter was raped, emergency birth control would not be available to her. This is not an environment that Jews and most fellow Americans want. I suggest that before you enter the voting booth on November 4th you give some thought to what a McCain presidency really means for you. Shalom and L'shanah Tovah – Peace and Happy New Year.
For more information about the Jewish community supporting Barack Obama visit JewsForObama.com. You can watch Obama’s address to AIPAC at the website Jewish Americans for Obama.
* Is Obama ready to lead America? ~ The answer to such a question regarding any candidate who has not already served one term as President is at best an educated guess. Performance under fire can be the only accurate gauge. All we can do is look at indicators. One that struck me as pertinent was noted at dailykos.com this week and which I verified at Obama’s senate web site. On March 22, 2007 – 18 months ago, Obama wrote a letter to Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke and Secretary of the Treasury Paulson. Obama anticipated the financial crisis we are now experiencing when he wrote, “…I urge you immediately to convene a homeownership preservation summit with leading mortgage lenders, investors, loan servicing organizations, consumer advocates, federal regulators and housing-related agencies to assess options for private sector responses to the challenge.” This was 18 months ago. You may want to read the entire letter because it apparently was ignored by the recipients – the two highest financial “experts” in our federal government.
* A note to the Obama campaign ~ clean up your act – I strongly urge that the Obama campaign be more responsible with some of the claims they have made that wilt under scrutiny. The quantity and quality of misleading statements in the Obama campaign may pale in comparison to their Republican opponents but that is no reason to be less than completely forthright. The American people are up to their armpits in political bullshit. The Obama candidacy and campaign has the opportunity to offer American voters an alternative to the type of leadership that this country has staggered under the last eight years. This must not be jeopardized. If Barack Obama allows his campaign to be misleading or dishonest then it probably makes little difference who wins in November.
* Bilingual bifurcation – Both the NY Times and Washington Post criticized a McCain Spanish-language ad. The ad accuses Obama and Senate Democrats of “killing immigration reform.” Obama supported the bipartisan John McCain-Edward Kennedy efforts to enact such reforms and voted for their final proposal last year. Comprehensive immigration reform was blocked not by Democrats but by Republicans. Esa es la verdad.
* An opportunity to be pro-active – Many of us were disappointed by moderators’ questions during the presidential primary debates this year. At times nonsensical or superficial, such questions do not serve our interests. OurFuture.org offers a petition to moderators of upcoming debates - Tom Brokaw, Gwen Ifill, Jim Lehrer, and Bob Schieffer – requesting that they ask questions worthy of a great nation in trouble. A reading of the petition alone offers a refresher course about the state of our nation.
* Correction - In my previous blog I noted that McCain has about 120 lobbyists working on his campaign. “The Democratic National Committee, using publicly available records, has identified 177 lobbyists working for the McCain campaign as either aides, policy advisers, or fundraisers… According to a Mother Jones review of Senate and House records, at least 83 have in recent years lobbied for the financial industry McCain now attacks.” Let no one say that I have a propensity to overstate my case.
* What took so long? – “Members of the American Psychological Association have voted to prohibit consultation in the interrogations of detainees held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, or so-called black sites operated by the Central Intelligence Agency overseas… The referendum prohibits psychologists from working in settings where “persons are held outside of, or in violation of, either International Law (e.g., the U.N. Convention Against Torture and the Geneva Conventions) or the U.S. Constitution, where appropriate,” unless they represent a detainee or an independent third party.” One wonders what went through the minds of these psychologists that it took so long for a statement of ethics and morality to be established. This is not a matter of being a conservative or a liberal. It is a matter of being a human being with a conscience and honoring the principles and international agreements on human rights that America once championed.
* What’s in your wallet? - With bank profits down or extinct an easy source of revenue for American financial institutions is credit card holders. There is pending legislation before the House of Representatives that is aimed at credit card reform. “This bill will give consumers a fair shake -- stopping credit card companies from arbitrarily jacking up interest rates on your card debt, and more fairly distributing your payments to costly, high-interest debt first.” Not surprisingly, the powerful bank lobby is hard at work attempting to kill this bill. Consumers Union has available a petition to your congressman urging the passage of a law that actually protects consumers from what has been under-regulated and predatory policies by these companies.
* “We will be a better country when each religious group can trust its members to obey the dictates of their own religious faith without assistance from the legal structure of their country.”
Margaret Mead (1901 – 1978) American cultural anthropologist
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
* On Sunday morning two AP headlines caught my attention – “It’s Race Against Time To Save Ike Stalwarts” and “Feds, Wall Street Race to Save Lehman.” The first headline refers to the humanitarian efforts to save human beings in the aftermath of a natural disaster – hurricane Ike, that devastated large parts of Texas. The second headline refers to a man-made disaster - the potential bailout of another financial institution that has been managed by seedy and greedy millionaires. They were enabled by an incompetent federal government and an impotent congress blinded by the campaign contributions and lobbyist gifts funded by these same financial mega corporations now facing bankruptcy.
A competent parent knows that a teenager needs guidance and oversight – the same constrictions needed by commercial institutions that are myopically consumed by profits. This greed on steroids is devoid of ethics, integrity and the concept of the common good. We are now told that it is in our interest to use billions of dollars of taxpayer money to keep private companies like Bear Stearns and Lehman and quasi governmental companies like Fannie Mae and Fannie Mac from being flushed into oblivion. These same companies who fought every suggestion at oversight and regulation, whose policies consciously screwed over so many Americans, are now asking the American taxpayer for handouts. Neither the executive branch nor congressional branch of the government exercised their fiduciary responsibility to the American people.
Monday morning headlines: BLACK MONDAY; World Stocks Sink; U.S. Stocks Set to Sink at Open; Merrill Sells Itself to Bank of America; Lehman Files for Bankruptcy; FED Takes Emergency Steps; Insurance Giant AIG Scrambles for Cash; Banks Roll Out $70 Billion Loan Program. I am waiting for the next Republican politician to extol free enterprise free of regulation. I am waiting for the next Democratic politician to exhibit a patriotic spine and tell the American people that they will fight for legislation to achieve two goals: real ethics reform that actually minimizes the influence of lobbyists; public financing of elections so that the legislators are not in the pockets of special interest groups and so that legislators are not spending so much of their time trolling for campaign contributions from banks, insurance companies, oil and gas companies, insurers and pharmaceutical companies. Any congressman that does not support such measures should be thrown the hell out of office.
Monday afternoon – McCain tells a rally in Florida, "The fundamentals of our economy are strong." If this is a result of McCain listening to his economic advisors they are bigger derriere orifices than Bush’s financial team.
* Why Black Monday occurred:
1.) Incomes shrank for most Americans over the last expansion.
2.) But Americans kept spending thanks to a mammoth increase in household debt.
3.) To increase the amount of debt in the system, lending standards were lowered.
4.) Lowered lending standards have led to a higher default rate from borrowers.
5.) Higher default rates have lowered the value of all the collateral backed by mortgages.
6.) Lowered collateral values have killed the balance sheets of literally every major financial company.
So wrote Hale Stewart at the Huffington Post. He provides details about each of the above points in an interesting and informative article. Stewart’s piece and other writings this week would lead one to conclude that a Republican president, a Republican congress and an Alan Greenspan-led Federal Reserve became too cozy with America’s major financial institutions and that created a perfect storm for financial disaster. Their arrogance and greed led them to believe our current crisis could not happen. I suggest a read of this article to determine if there is merit to John McCain’s claim that the fundamentals of our economy are strong.
* Six alarm fire – On Tuesday John McCain called “for a high-level commission to study the current economic crisis and claimed that a corrupt and excessive Wall Street had betrayed American workers.” A commission may have some merit even if we know what happened. What was missing in McCain’s exhortation was mention of the commission by him and his Republican Party being a party to this debacle. It is reminiscent of the pyromaniac that sets a blaze and then calls for the Fire Department. Perhaps the American voter will begin to understand that a McCain presidency is akin to appointing the arsonist the Fire Chief.
* The pieces of the puzzle continue to come together – From the Progress Report: McCain and his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK), published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal (on September 9) that called lobbyists "primary contributors" to the crisis. One of these lobbyists though, is McCain's own campaign manager, Rick Davis, who "served as president of an advocacy group led by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that defended the two companies against increased regulation." Davis challenged even the smallest reform measures intended to make sure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were being held more accountable for their actions. This helped the mortgage giants, "consistently [beat] back congressional efforts to increase oversight, even after a major accounting scandal in 2003 resulted in a $400 million fine for Fannie.
In an effort to provide full disclosure it should be noted that Rick Davis is only one of 120 lobbyists working for the McCain campaign. That McCain is one heck of a lobbyist basher!
Also earning special mention is the economic advisor to McCain, former Senator Phil Graham. While a senator and then as a lobbyist Graham opposed any legislation that would have regulated financial institutions – regulations that may have averted the financial crisis gripping America and the international community. I wrote about Mr. Graham in July of this year. His hands are as dirty as his pockets are full.
The Republican Party and the lobbyists took their relationship to a new level at the beginning of the Bush administration. It was spirited by then Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) who led the K Street project - a marriage od Republican politicians and lobbyists that threw open the doors of congressional access to the likes of Jack Abramoff, former ultra lobbyist and current resident of a federal prison. Santorum was rejected for re-election in 2006 but the effect of his efforts to put the federal government up for sale continues today.
* Speaking of money ill-spent – George Bush has given Pakistan billions of dollars to be our ally in the global war against terrorism. This week the Pakistani government ordered its troops to fire on the U.S. military if it conducts raids in Pakistan against terrorists and their supporters. Yes, the world is a complicated place. Let us hope that the next president has the ability to navigate such treacherous terrain. Someone who has not rubber-stamped Lost George.
* What is an over-worked secretary to do? - Speaking last week to the annual Conference of the White House Initiative on National Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice admitted that there are too few African-Americans in her agency. "I can go into a whole day of meetings at the Department of State -- and actually rarely see somebody who looks like me," Rice said. "And that is just not acceptable." Since January 6, 2005 Rice has been in her current position working around the clock to cover the errors of her boss. There simply has been no time available or inclination to change the State Department from looking like the Republican National Convention.
* You would too - Thirty-two of the nation’s leading historians have sent letters to congressional leaders calling on them to strengthen the Presidential Records Act (PRA). They are concerned that as the Bush administration prepares to leave office they are ready to expunge the record on its tenure. Expunging the record makes perfect sense. Their “record” is one of incompetency, lies and illegal activities. One would have to be in a vegetative state to not try to hide such documentation. Destroying the records will also help keep some of them out of prison.
* Last weekend in Andover, MA legal scholars, lawyers, and activists came together for "JUSTICE ROBERT H. JACKSON CONFERENCE: PLANNING FOR THE PROSECUTION OF HIGH LEVEL AMERICAN WAR CRIMINALS. As the insulated and self-protected members of the Bush administration leave the White House in January 2009 I am surer that they will be looking over their shoulders than they were “certain” that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Thousands of Americans were culpable in the use of torture, breaking the law and the ever-present “cover up.” Unlike a tragic Italian opera this will not be over when the fat lady sings the aria Arevaderchi.
* Get your free score card - If you are having difficulty keeping up with the McCain lies a new website sponsored by the Democratic Party will help you. The name of the site is Count the Lies - McCainPedia.org. This website will need a server capable of handling substantial gigabytes of memory.
* That Grand Old Party – The Michigan Republican Party is attempting to question voters’ eligibility whose homes have been foreclosed. “According to voting rights experts a foreclosure notice does not mean that a person is no longer a resident -- making it an inadequate basis for a challenge.” I imagine that GOP strategists have strategized that more Democrats have homes that have been foreclosed than Republicans. Thirteen U.S. Senators have petitioned the Justice Department to prevent disenfranchisement of voters who have lost their homes.
* A wealth of insight – NY Times op-ed columnist Frank Rich once again offers a cogent and perceptive analysis of the presidential race. I highly recommend a read of this in-depth article for which a summarization would not do it justice. I will note his concluding recommendation to the Democratic presidential nominee: If Obama “focuses voters on the 2008 McCain, the Palin question will take care of itself.”
* "No nation is permitted to live in ignorance with impunity."
Thomas Jefferson
A competent parent knows that a teenager needs guidance and oversight – the same constrictions needed by commercial institutions that are myopically consumed by profits. This greed on steroids is devoid of ethics, integrity and the concept of the common good. We are now told that it is in our interest to use billions of dollars of taxpayer money to keep private companies like Bear Stearns and Lehman and quasi governmental companies like Fannie Mae and Fannie Mac from being flushed into oblivion. These same companies who fought every suggestion at oversight and regulation, whose policies consciously screwed over so many Americans, are now asking the American taxpayer for handouts. Neither the executive branch nor congressional branch of the government exercised their fiduciary responsibility to the American people.
Monday morning headlines: BLACK MONDAY; World Stocks Sink; U.S. Stocks Set to Sink at Open; Merrill Sells Itself to Bank of America; Lehman Files for Bankruptcy; FED Takes Emergency Steps; Insurance Giant AIG Scrambles for Cash; Banks Roll Out $70 Billion Loan Program. I am waiting for the next Republican politician to extol free enterprise free of regulation. I am waiting for the next Democratic politician to exhibit a patriotic spine and tell the American people that they will fight for legislation to achieve two goals: real ethics reform that actually minimizes the influence of lobbyists; public financing of elections so that the legislators are not in the pockets of special interest groups and so that legislators are not spending so much of their time trolling for campaign contributions from banks, insurance companies, oil and gas companies, insurers and pharmaceutical companies. Any congressman that does not support such measures should be thrown the hell out of office.
Monday afternoon – McCain tells a rally in Florida, "The fundamentals of our economy are strong." If this is a result of McCain listening to his economic advisors they are bigger derriere orifices than Bush’s financial team.
* Why Black Monday occurred:
1.) Incomes shrank for most Americans over the last expansion.
2.) But Americans kept spending thanks to a mammoth increase in household debt.
3.) To increase the amount of debt in the system, lending standards were lowered.
4.) Lowered lending standards have led to a higher default rate from borrowers.
5.) Higher default rates have lowered the value of all the collateral backed by mortgages.
6.) Lowered collateral values have killed the balance sheets of literally every major financial company.
So wrote Hale Stewart at the Huffington Post. He provides details about each of the above points in an interesting and informative article. Stewart’s piece and other writings this week would lead one to conclude that a Republican president, a Republican congress and an Alan Greenspan-led Federal Reserve became too cozy with America’s major financial institutions and that created a perfect storm for financial disaster. Their arrogance and greed led them to believe our current crisis could not happen. I suggest a read of this article to determine if there is merit to John McCain’s claim that the fundamentals of our economy are strong.
* Six alarm fire – On Tuesday John McCain called “for a high-level commission to study the current economic crisis and claimed that a corrupt and excessive Wall Street had betrayed American workers.” A commission may have some merit even if we know what happened. What was missing in McCain’s exhortation was mention of the commission by him and his Republican Party being a party to this debacle. It is reminiscent of the pyromaniac that sets a blaze and then calls for the Fire Department. Perhaps the American voter will begin to understand that a McCain presidency is akin to appointing the arsonist the Fire Chief.
* The pieces of the puzzle continue to come together – From the Progress Report: McCain and his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK), published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal (on September 9) that called lobbyists "primary contributors" to the crisis. One of these lobbyists though, is McCain's own campaign manager, Rick Davis, who "served as president of an advocacy group led by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that defended the two companies against increased regulation." Davis challenged even the smallest reform measures intended to make sure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were being held more accountable for their actions. This helped the mortgage giants, "consistently [beat] back congressional efforts to increase oversight, even after a major accounting scandal in 2003 resulted in a $400 million fine for Fannie.
In an effort to provide full disclosure it should be noted that Rick Davis is only one of 120 lobbyists working for the McCain campaign. That McCain is one heck of a lobbyist basher!
Also earning special mention is the economic advisor to McCain, former Senator Phil Graham. While a senator and then as a lobbyist Graham opposed any legislation that would have regulated financial institutions – regulations that may have averted the financial crisis gripping America and the international community. I wrote about Mr. Graham in July of this year. His hands are as dirty as his pockets are full.
The Republican Party and the lobbyists took their relationship to a new level at the beginning of the Bush administration. It was spirited by then Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) who led the K Street project - a marriage od Republican politicians and lobbyists that threw open the doors of congressional access to the likes of Jack Abramoff, former ultra lobbyist and current resident of a federal prison. Santorum was rejected for re-election in 2006 but the effect of his efforts to put the federal government up for sale continues today.
* Speaking of money ill-spent – George Bush has given Pakistan billions of dollars to be our ally in the global war against terrorism. This week the Pakistani government ordered its troops to fire on the U.S. military if it conducts raids in Pakistan against terrorists and their supporters. Yes, the world is a complicated place. Let us hope that the next president has the ability to navigate such treacherous terrain. Someone who has not rubber-stamped Lost George.
* What is an over-worked secretary to do? - Speaking last week to the annual Conference of the White House Initiative on National Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice admitted that there are too few African-Americans in her agency. "I can go into a whole day of meetings at the Department of State -- and actually rarely see somebody who looks like me," Rice said. "And that is just not acceptable." Since January 6, 2005 Rice has been in her current position working around the clock to cover the errors of her boss. There simply has been no time available or inclination to change the State Department from looking like the Republican National Convention.
* You would too - Thirty-two of the nation’s leading historians have sent letters to congressional leaders calling on them to strengthen the Presidential Records Act (PRA). They are concerned that as the Bush administration prepares to leave office they are ready to expunge the record on its tenure. Expunging the record makes perfect sense. Their “record” is one of incompetency, lies and illegal activities. One would have to be in a vegetative state to not try to hide such documentation. Destroying the records will also help keep some of them out of prison.
* Last weekend in Andover, MA legal scholars, lawyers, and activists came together for "JUSTICE ROBERT H. JACKSON CONFERENCE: PLANNING FOR THE PROSECUTION OF HIGH LEVEL AMERICAN WAR CRIMINALS. As the insulated and self-protected members of the Bush administration leave the White House in January 2009 I am surer that they will be looking over their shoulders than they were “certain” that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Thousands of Americans were culpable in the use of torture, breaking the law and the ever-present “cover up.” Unlike a tragic Italian opera this will not be over when the fat lady sings the aria Arevaderchi.
* Get your free score card - If you are having difficulty keeping up with the McCain lies a new website sponsored by the Democratic Party will help you. The name of the site is Count the Lies - McCainPedia.org. This website will need a server capable of handling substantial gigabytes of memory.
* That Grand Old Party – The Michigan Republican Party is attempting to question voters’ eligibility whose homes have been foreclosed. “According to voting rights experts a foreclosure notice does not mean that a person is no longer a resident -- making it an inadequate basis for a challenge.” I imagine that GOP strategists have strategized that more Democrats have homes that have been foreclosed than Republicans. Thirteen U.S. Senators have petitioned the Justice Department to prevent disenfranchisement of voters who have lost their homes.
* A wealth of insight – NY Times op-ed columnist Frank Rich once again offers a cogent and perceptive analysis of the presidential race. I highly recommend a read of this in-depth article for which a summarization would not do it justice. I will note his concluding recommendation to the Democratic presidential nominee: If Obama “focuses voters on the 2008 McCain, the Palin question will take care of itself.”
* "No nation is permitted to live in ignorance with impunity."
Thomas Jefferson
Saturday, September 13, 2008
* The bastardization of democracy – This week I spent several vacation days at the seashore. My inner therapist counseled the avoidance of all things news and it was a welcome hiatus. When I returned home and began looking at the news my stomach felt as though I had consumed bouillabaisse made from spoiled clams, mussels and politicians. And I wish barnacles on the inner thighs of the next person that tells me, “It’s just politics.” The misinformation, false accusations and bald-faced lies “popularized” in the 2000 and 2004 Bush campaigns have become the game plan of the McCain campaign. The Straight Talk Express took a right turn to hell sullying the ideals and nobility of “the greatest democracy in the history of mankind.” We have experienced that when the end justifies the means politically we wind up with the worst president in the history of America. Disingenuous faux patriots do not put their hand on the bible to take an oath of office and miraculously become Thomas Jefferson or Abraham Lincoln. They remain George Bush! Yes, we all can be fooled. The question is, “How many times?”
* Vacation musings, or, Stephen – get a life:
~ Change you can believe in – The Wasilla Bible Church was Sarah Palin’s house of worship before she became governor. The church is promoting a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer. If it works I am going to sign up for their next conference, “You Can Be 35 Years Old Again with a Full Head of Hair.”
~ It is being reported that the Bush administration has been spying on Iraqi Prime Minster Nouri al-Maliki. When Bush exports democracy he does not hold back. In a Bush democracy the government spies on citizens’ phone calls, emails and internet activities. Mr. al-Maliki must be wondering if the purple index finger that signified an Iraqi citizen had voted has become the purple middle finger of the Bush administration.
~ During his acceptance speech McCain was not reluctant to discuss at great length his military service to our country. Is it not curious that there was no mention in his speech of the critical issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans today?
~ Now that McCain has signed on to the religious right’s sanctity of life mantra will he do what Bush did not do and advocate for eliminating the death penalty? Does sanctity of life preclude initiating unjustified wars? Does the sanctity of life mandate healthcare for all?
~ Rudy Giuliani said by refusing to use the term “Islamic Terrorism” liberals are trying to not insult terrorists. Giuliani’s speech at the Republican convention was very similar to his presidential primary campaign – an insult to almost everyone with a brain stem still intact.
~ Were the very aggressive tactics by law enforcement and the arrest of 300 protestors and journalists in St. Paul during the Republican convention legitimate security measures or a step backward for free speech and peaceable demonstration?
~ I have made a strong effort to find something I like about Sarah Palin and I have been successful! She does not have the drippy Southern drawl of Senators Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) and Kate Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX), y’all.
~ At his sentencing last week Jack Abramoff said he was not a bad man while acknowledging that he did many bad things. Metaphysical gymnastics aside, Jack, you are a bad man. You facilitated the American democratic process becoming another used Potty Trainer on EBay. Your actions enabled child labor and child prostitution to continue to flourish in Guam. You cheated your own Indian casino clients. Jack, you really are a very bad man that your clan would call a goniff (Yiddish for crook). Perhaps in another lifetime you can come back the mensch (Yiddish for decent person) that you so eagerly exchanged for coin and influence.
~ If Alaska withdraws from the United States is Sarah Palin’s vice presidential nomination null and void? There are two ways that the U.S. could lose its 49th state. The least likely is through secession. Recall that for a number of years Palin’s husband was a member of the Alaska Independent Party (AIP), the political group urging that Alaska cede from the U.S. Less of a long shot, at least in the short term, is the northern part of Alaska joining the Arctic Ocean as its waters rise dramatically from the effects of global warming. Since neither event is likely to occur before November 4th we can only trust that her candidacy is voided at the ballot box.
* Yea though they walk through the Valley of Hypocrisy - Do you share the inspiration generated by so many of the Republican leaders who urge the path of righteousness? Cynics will recall David Vitter cheating on his wife by engaging prostitutes but, he was an exception. And so was Larry Craig’s toe-tapping in an airport men’s room. Rudy Giuliani gets a free pass for having had an affair – he is from cosmopolitan New York City. And he did wind up marrying the affairee. Only a few people remember that John McCain dumped his first wife for heiress Cindy so this does not count. Do not despair. We still have former House Speaker Newt Gingrich who, thank all that is holy, just released a YouTube video defending traditional marriage. Perhaps Newt’s example will enlighten us as to the meaning of traditional marriage: Newt abandoned his cancer-stricken 1st wife. When his pastor criticized him for not supporting his two children, he left the church. Newt divorced his 2nd wife after cheating on her with the Congressional aide who is now his 3rd wife – all the while excoriating Bill Clinton’s tryst with Monica in the Blue Dress. As Tevye sang out in Fiddler on the Roof, TRADITION!
* It is time to get serious – We have seen and heard a great deal about the Republican ticket of McCain and Palin. Much of it has as little merit as the publications one finds at supermarket checkout counters with headlines like: “Loose 30 Pounds in 30 Minutes.” “Exclusive – Gynecologic X-Rays of Hollywood Stars.” “Rosie O’Donnell’s Secret Vacation on Pluto.” What does deserve our attention is an article by NY Times writer Frank Rich who offers an analysis of the Republican Dream Team. Like a seasoned surgeon Rich dissects the incompetent vetting of Palin by the McCain campaign, the absurd braying that McCain is a maverick capable of changing the Washington he has helped create and the danger to America of putting Palin in a position to be president of the U.S. This is a must read for anyone who cares about America’s future leadership.
* I repeat myself – Last week I commented that Sarah Palin is George Bush in high heels. On Thursday night VP candidate Sarah Palin had her first real media interview with ABC’s Charlie Gibson. Palin was asked real questions. For those who believe she is prepared to lead America and who think she will be any different on foreign policy than George Bush I suggest this link that provides a video segment of the interview. Actually, Palin is ballsier than Bush. He only attacked Iraq. Palin is ready to go after Russia.
* Be careful what you wish for - What can women expect from Sarah Palin? Palin-appointed Wasilla Police Chief Charlie Fannon slashed the budget for sexual assault exams and began charging the city's victims. The city budget documents demonstrate Palin read and signed off on the budget cuts. A year later, alarmed Alaska lawmakers passed legislation outlawing the practice. Alaska lawmakers are not the only ones who should be alarmed.
* Quote of the Week – In an email received from Kathryn Kolbert, President, People For the American Way she commented, “I think James Fallows had it right when he said that the decision to pick Sarah Palin was a signal that the McCain camp was embracing Karl Rove's base-motivating strategy and Religious Right leaders have reacted with a fervor that is hard to overstate. Clearly the pick of an anti-choice, anti-gay, anti-science extremist wrapped in a folksy hockey-mom package has fired up the base in ways that even McCain's pledge to pack the Courts with right-wing judges has failed to do.”
I suggest that for anyone who does not want four even worse years than we experienced under the Bush administration it is time to put the remote down and become active – volunteer to get people registered to vote and become affiliated with any of the myriad organizations working to explain to fellow citizens what is at stake. America’s future depends on all of us. We have seen what occurs when our future is left solely to the politicians.
* A one-sided triangle – The Department of the Interior has responsibility to collect about 10 billion dollars in royalties for exploration rights on government land from the oil and gas companies. An Inspector General’s report revealed that more than a dozen Interior employees with responsibility for collecting these funds were busy collecting their own royalties from energy companies. The gifts included meals, golf outings, ski trips, sports tickets, sex and drugs. In the news reports one could find the usual hand-wringing about the lack of responsibility exhibited by public payroll drones. We all were relieved when Interior Secretary Dick Kempthorne expressed the requisite outrage.
What is missing from this scenario? The culpability of Kempthorne and the oil and gas companies themselves. These were not employees responsible for dusting the filing cabinets and emptying the trash cans. These were a select handful of federal workers responsible for billions of dollars. Where was the oversight by the Department of the Interior? For Shell, Chevron, Hess and Gary-Williams Energy what is their egregious offense? Drugs, sex and gifts used to screw over the American tax payer. And the world shrugs. Is there any conscious human being in our government calling for these companies to loose their leasing rights or to prosecute the executives behind these bribes? Some of the Interior employees have rushed to retirement. Is anyone seeking to revoke their pensions? Untold numbers of our prison population are there for being drug users. Will the Interior employees be prosecuted? Will Dick Kempthorne resign in disgrace? Is my tainted bouillabaisse acting up again?
* "What is left when honor is lost?"
Publilius Syrus, First Century BC
* Vacation musings, or, Stephen – get a life:
~ Change you can believe in – The Wasilla Bible Church was Sarah Palin’s house of worship before she became governor. The church is promoting a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer. If it works I am going to sign up for their next conference, “You Can Be 35 Years Old Again with a Full Head of Hair.”
~ It is being reported that the Bush administration has been spying on Iraqi Prime Minster Nouri al-Maliki. When Bush exports democracy he does not hold back. In a Bush democracy the government spies on citizens’ phone calls, emails and internet activities. Mr. al-Maliki must be wondering if the purple index finger that signified an Iraqi citizen had voted has become the purple middle finger of the Bush administration.
~ During his acceptance speech McCain was not reluctant to discuss at great length his military service to our country. Is it not curious that there was no mention in his speech of the critical issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans today?
~ Now that McCain has signed on to the religious right’s sanctity of life mantra will he do what Bush did not do and advocate for eliminating the death penalty? Does sanctity of life preclude initiating unjustified wars? Does the sanctity of life mandate healthcare for all?
~ Rudy Giuliani said by refusing to use the term “Islamic Terrorism” liberals are trying to not insult terrorists. Giuliani’s speech at the Republican convention was very similar to his presidential primary campaign – an insult to almost everyone with a brain stem still intact.
~ Were the very aggressive tactics by law enforcement and the arrest of 300 protestors and journalists in St. Paul during the Republican convention legitimate security measures or a step backward for free speech and peaceable demonstration?
~ I have made a strong effort to find something I like about Sarah Palin and I have been successful! She does not have the drippy Southern drawl of Senators Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) and Kate Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX), y’all.
~ At his sentencing last week Jack Abramoff said he was not a bad man while acknowledging that he did many bad things. Metaphysical gymnastics aside, Jack, you are a bad man. You facilitated the American democratic process becoming another used Potty Trainer on EBay. Your actions enabled child labor and child prostitution to continue to flourish in Guam. You cheated your own Indian casino clients. Jack, you really are a very bad man that your clan would call a goniff (Yiddish for crook). Perhaps in another lifetime you can come back the mensch (Yiddish for decent person) that you so eagerly exchanged for coin and influence.
~ If Alaska withdraws from the United States is Sarah Palin’s vice presidential nomination null and void? There are two ways that the U.S. could lose its 49th state. The least likely is through secession. Recall that for a number of years Palin’s husband was a member of the Alaska Independent Party (AIP), the political group urging that Alaska cede from the U.S. Less of a long shot, at least in the short term, is the northern part of Alaska joining the Arctic Ocean as its waters rise dramatically from the effects of global warming. Since neither event is likely to occur before November 4th we can only trust that her candidacy is voided at the ballot box.
* Yea though they walk through the Valley of Hypocrisy - Do you share the inspiration generated by so many of the Republican leaders who urge the path of righteousness? Cynics will recall David Vitter cheating on his wife by engaging prostitutes but, he was an exception. And so was Larry Craig’s toe-tapping in an airport men’s room. Rudy Giuliani gets a free pass for having had an affair – he is from cosmopolitan New York City. And he did wind up marrying the affairee. Only a few people remember that John McCain dumped his first wife for heiress Cindy so this does not count. Do not despair. We still have former House Speaker Newt Gingrich who, thank all that is holy, just released a YouTube video defending traditional marriage. Perhaps Newt’s example will enlighten us as to the meaning of traditional marriage: Newt abandoned his cancer-stricken 1st wife. When his pastor criticized him for not supporting his two children, he left the church. Newt divorced his 2nd wife after cheating on her with the Congressional aide who is now his 3rd wife – all the while excoriating Bill Clinton’s tryst with Monica in the Blue Dress. As Tevye sang out in Fiddler on the Roof, TRADITION!
* It is time to get serious – We have seen and heard a great deal about the Republican ticket of McCain and Palin. Much of it has as little merit as the publications one finds at supermarket checkout counters with headlines like: “Loose 30 Pounds in 30 Minutes.” “Exclusive – Gynecologic X-Rays of Hollywood Stars.” “Rosie O’Donnell’s Secret Vacation on Pluto.” What does deserve our attention is an article by NY Times writer Frank Rich who offers an analysis of the Republican Dream Team. Like a seasoned surgeon Rich dissects the incompetent vetting of Palin by the McCain campaign, the absurd braying that McCain is a maverick capable of changing the Washington he has helped create and the danger to America of putting Palin in a position to be president of the U.S. This is a must read for anyone who cares about America’s future leadership.
* I repeat myself – Last week I commented that Sarah Palin is George Bush in high heels. On Thursday night VP candidate Sarah Palin had her first real media interview with ABC’s Charlie Gibson. Palin was asked real questions. For those who believe she is prepared to lead America and who think she will be any different on foreign policy than George Bush I suggest this link that provides a video segment of the interview. Actually, Palin is ballsier than Bush. He only attacked Iraq. Palin is ready to go after Russia.
* Be careful what you wish for - What can women expect from Sarah Palin? Palin-appointed Wasilla Police Chief Charlie Fannon slashed the budget for sexual assault exams and began charging the city's victims. The city budget documents demonstrate Palin read and signed off on the budget cuts. A year later, alarmed Alaska lawmakers passed legislation outlawing the practice. Alaska lawmakers are not the only ones who should be alarmed.
* Quote of the Week – In an email received from Kathryn Kolbert, President, People For the American Way she commented, “I think James Fallows had it right when he said that the decision to pick Sarah Palin was a signal that the McCain camp was embracing Karl Rove's base-motivating strategy and Religious Right leaders have reacted with a fervor that is hard to overstate. Clearly the pick of an anti-choice, anti-gay, anti-science extremist wrapped in a folksy hockey-mom package has fired up the base in ways that even McCain's pledge to pack the Courts with right-wing judges has failed to do.”
I suggest that for anyone who does not want four even worse years than we experienced under the Bush administration it is time to put the remote down and become active – volunteer to get people registered to vote and become affiliated with any of the myriad organizations working to explain to fellow citizens what is at stake. America’s future depends on all of us. We have seen what occurs when our future is left solely to the politicians.
* A one-sided triangle – The Department of the Interior has responsibility to collect about 10 billion dollars in royalties for exploration rights on government land from the oil and gas companies. An Inspector General’s report revealed that more than a dozen Interior employees with responsibility for collecting these funds were busy collecting their own royalties from energy companies. The gifts included meals, golf outings, ski trips, sports tickets, sex and drugs. In the news reports one could find the usual hand-wringing about the lack of responsibility exhibited by public payroll drones. We all were relieved when Interior Secretary Dick Kempthorne expressed the requisite outrage.
What is missing from this scenario? The culpability of Kempthorne and the oil and gas companies themselves. These were not employees responsible for dusting the filing cabinets and emptying the trash cans. These were a select handful of federal workers responsible for billions of dollars. Where was the oversight by the Department of the Interior? For Shell, Chevron, Hess and Gary-Williams Energy what is their egregious offense? Drugs, sex and gifts used to screw over the American tax payer. And the world shrugs. Is there any conscious human being in our government calling for these companies to loose their leasing rights or to prosecute the executives behind these bribes? Some of the Interior employees have rushed to retirement. Is anyone seeking to revoke their pensions? Untold numbers of our prison population are there for being drug users. Will the Interior employees be prosecuted? Will Dick Kempthorne resign in disgrace? Is my tainted bouillabaisse acting up again?
* "What is left when honor is lost?"
Publilius Syrus, First Century BC
Saturday, September 6, 2008
* Did Pat Buchanan need medical attention? – Watching his commentary on MSNBC during the Republican convention it was obvious that he was sporting a more than 4-hour political erection over the Sarah Palin VP nomination. His gushing over the Alaskan governor made motor-mouth Chris Matthews seem a Forrest Gump. What does this tell us? If Buchanan is for Palin, Palin would not be good for America. Buchanan’s prejudice against anyone whose ancestors did not land at Plymouth Rock is well-documented. He and his sister Bey Buchanan speak for that minority of Americans who would rather live in a world where poor people, people of color and non-fundamentalist Christians know their place. The Palin pick is an attempt to solidify the Republican bases of social conservatives and political ultra-conservatives while disingenuously presenting her to mainstream America as a woman of the people. Let’s take a closer look.
* What have we learned about Sarah Palin? She is an ideal Republican candidate – long on rhetoric and short on ever-elusive truth, giving voice to religious fundamentalism while muting science. Not mentioned in Palin’s remarks to the GOP delegates and what the McCain campaign does not want us to know about her:
~ Palin recently said that the war in Iraq is "God's task."
~ Palin has actively sought the support of the fringe Alaska Independence Party that advocates Alaska seceding from the U.S.
~ Palin wants to teach creationism in public schools.
~ Palin doesn't believe that humans contribute to global warming.
~ Palin has close ties to Big Oil. Her inauguration was even sponsored by BP.
~ Palin is extremely anti-choice. She doesn't even support abortion in the case of rape or incest
~ Palin opposes comprehensive sex-education in public schools. She's said she will only support abstinence-only approaches – approaches that are demonstrable failures.
~ As mayor, Palin tried to ban books from the library. Palin asked the library how she might go about banning books because some had inappropriate language in them—shocking the librarian, Mary Ellen Baker. According to Time, "news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor."
~ She DID support the Bridge to Nowhere while now claiming she opposed it.
What can we conclude about Sarah Palin? She is George Bush in high heels with silicone-enhanced integrity and experience.
For a penetrating analysis of the Sarah Palin speech and why it was so off base (for anyone not of the base) I recommend the blog Consenting Adult written by Sue Katz. One of these two women has a sense of community and what it means to be an American. The other is running for Vice President.
*What do Republican spokespeople think about the Palin nomination? – During an MSNBC broadcast of the Republican convention the moderator and guests thought the telecast had gone to break. That was not the case. Wall Street Journal columnist and former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan and former John McCain adviser and Time columnist Mike Murphy were caught on tape disparaging the selection of Palin. "It's over," Noonan said. When Chuck Todd asked her if this was the most qualified woman the Republicans could nominate, Noonan responded, "The most qualified? No. I think they went for this, excuse me, political bullshit about narratives.” Murphy characterized the Palin selection as "cynical" and "gimmicky." You can see a video of this cinema vérité at this link.
* Republican platform on gays in the military - "To protect our servicemen and women and ensure that America's Armed Forces remain the best in the world, we affirm the timeliness of those values, the benefits of traditional military culture, and the incompatibility of homosexuality with military service." Recall when the Bush administration fired a large number of translators in Iraq because they were gay and left the U.S. Command in Baghdad with almost no personnel that spoke Arabic. For not the first time ideology trumped humanity, practicality and America’s interest. By commission the Republican Party has no room at the inn for Americans with alternative lifestyles. By omission, these pillars of the community have little room for minorities. It was noted during a broadcast this week that 5% of Latinos are registered Republicans and 2% of African Americans are registered with the Grand Old Party. The Buchanans must be very proud!
* Republicans and “special” needs – There was much fanfare when Palin, a parent of a special needs child, said that when she is in Washington she will be a voice for this constituency. The reality is that Republicans are deaf to people with real needs. Recall that this year it was Republicans that attempted to block health insurance for 10 million children. They are spending our treasure on weapons of questionable value and to bail out American financial industry icons Bear Stearns, Fanny Mae and Fanny Mac who lost billions of dollars due to incompetent and avaricious business decisions. The bailout is costing taxpayers billions of dollars. The American flag was waving fervently in the background during the speeches at the Republican convention but their promises, as usual, are limp.
* 64 percent ~ people concerned that Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) "would pursue policies that are too similar to what George W. Bush has pursued," according to a new USA Today/Gallup poll conducted over Labor Day weekend. Forty-seven percent fall into the "very concerned" category and 17 percent rate themselves "somewhat concerned." Other polls of interest this week: Obama, for the first time, reached 50% in a national poll (Gallup); in a CNN/Time opinion poll in Iowa, a state with a 95% white population, Obama leads McCain 55% to 40%.
* Four more years ~ the Republican platform in need of CPR – With a recent history of little if any accomplishment and a future of no promise for the majority of the American people Republicans once again have opened their Karl Rove book by creating non-issues and lies on which to run their campaign. On Tuesday night they invited a former Democrat and current Independent to address their convention. With the economy, meaningful jobs, infrastructure and the standing of the U.S. in the world community all in decline what did Joe Lieberman focus on - film maker and political activist Michael Moore. That will always energize the base. Did any Republican orator discuss methods to improve the economy, help the deteriorating economic situation of middle class and poor citizens, improve health care for those most in need? They did offer one solution to one of the issues of concern to most Americans – fossil fuel dependence. Their solution and subsequent coordinated chant by the assembled Republican delegates – drill, drill, drill. Watching this display I felt like I was at the dentist.
* Republican Presidential Slogan - "McCAIN-PALIN: A BRIDGE TO NOWHERE"
What did John McCain embrace during his acceptance speech in St. Paul? With one arm around Bush (he voted with him 90% of the time in 2007 and 2008), with one arm around Karl Rove (a very influential advisor) and one arm around Sarah Palin (and the religious right) McCain painted himself a maverick that will change the way Washington does business – while being remiss in not mentioning the over 120 lobbyists involved with his campaign. If this is change you can believe in McCain must believe that the electorate are atheists.
* Yes Virginia, and 49 other states, there is a critical need for clean energy in America the beautiful - The clean energy tax credit will expire at the end of 2008. This tax credit encourages industry to develop renewable energy such as wind and solar power and its extension would appear to be a no brainer. But logic and good governance in Washington D.C. is not something we can assume. EarthJustice is providing a petition to congress urging the renewal of this important legislation.
* $1 billion in aid for Georgia ~ the country, not the state – The Bush administration announced a $1 billion package of aid to help rebuild Georgia after its rout by Russian forces last month. Are I and Ron Paul the only ones that find this “charity” curious? The U.S. is not exactly rolling in assets as our deficit grows as fast as the dishonesty emanating from the McCain campaign. The aid package is intended to rebuild Georgia’s infrastructure and its economy. One wonders if the President of the United States ever heard of the country whose infrastructure is in great need of repair and whose economy is facing major struggles – a country that goes by the name ‘United States.”
* Speaking of Georgia ~ the state, not the country ~ meet the Derriere Orifice of the Week, Representative Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA). He was asked to compare Sarah Palin and Michelle Obama and said, “Just from what little I’ve seen of her and Mr. Obama, Sen. Obama, they’re a member of an elitist-class individual that thinks that they’re uppity.” The word “uppity” was used by Westmoreland’s ancestors when not wearing a white sheet and carrying a flaming cross. When dressed in their drag the “N” word was their mot du choice. Recall that Westmoreland was the lawmaker who co-sponsored legislation requiring that the Ten Commandments be displayed in court houses. He then appeared on the Colbert Report where he was asked to recite the Commandments. He barely was able to name five of them. I guess this was the reason he needed them displayed in public places – constitutional law aside.
* No way to treat a lady ~ I find it amusing the intensity with which the political pundits caution Joe Biden that he will have to be careful when he debates Sarah Palin. Do not be condescending; do not be a bully. I say Biden should use the approach that our adversaries will bring to the negotiating table should Palin lead this country: Russia will bring Baked Alaska, China will bring Cherries Jubilee and North Korea will bring Candied Moose Ears. Maybe Biden should just send flowers and not show up. Oops, that was George Bush’s approach to foreign policy negotiation. Never mind.
* Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly and for the same reason.
Author Unknown
* What have we learned about Sarah Palin? She is an ideal Republican candidate – long on rhetoric and short on ever-elusive truth, giving voice to religious fundamentalism while muting science. Not mentioned in Palin’s remarks to the GOP delegates and what the McCain campaign does not want us to know about her:
~ Palin recently said that the war in Iraq is "God's task."
~ Palin has actively sought the support of the fringe Alaska Independence Party that advocates Alaska seceding from the U.S.
~ Palin wants to teach creationism in public schools.
~ Palin doesn't believe that humans contribute to global warming.
~ Palin has close ties to Big Oil. Her inauguration was even sponsored by BP.
~ Palin is extremely anti-choice. She doesn't even support abortion in the case of rape or incest
~ Palin opposes comprehensive sex-education in public schools. She's said she will only support abstinence-only approaches – approaches that are demonstrable failures.
~ As mayor, Palin tried to ban books from the library. Palin asked the library how she might go about banning books because some had inappropriate language in them—shocking the librarian, Mary Ellen Baker. According to Time, "news reports from the time show that Palin had threatened to fire Baker for not giving "full support" to the mayor."
~ She DID support the Bridge to Nowhere while now claiming she opposed it.
What can we conclude about Sarah Palin? She is George Bush in high heels with silicone-enhanced integrity and experience.
For a penetrating analysis of the Sarah Palin speech and why it was so off base (for anyone not of the base) I recommend the blog Consenting Adult written by Sue Katz. One of these two women has a sense of community and what it means to be an American. The other is running for Vice President.
*What do Republican spokespeople think about the Palin nomination? – During an MSNBC broadcast of the Republican convention the moderator and guests thought the telecast had gone to break. That was not the case. Wall Street Journal columnist and former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan and former John McCain adviser and Time columnist Mike Murphy were caught on tape disparaging the selection of Palin. "It's over," Noonan said. When Chuck Todd asked her if this was the most qualified woman the Republicans could nominate, Noonan responded, "The most qualified? No. I think they went for this, excuse me, political bullshit about narratives.” Murphy characterized the Palin selection as "cynical" and "gimmicky." You can see a video of this cinema vérité at this link.
* Republican platform on gays in the military - "To protect our servicemen and women and ensure that America's Armed Forces remain the best in the world, we affirm the timeliness of those values, the benefits of traditional military culture, and the incompatibility of homosexuality with military service." Recall when the Bush administration fired a large number of translators in Iraq because they were gay and left the U.S. Command in Baghdad with almost no personnel that spoke Arabic. For not the first time ideology trumped humanity, practicality and America’s interest. By commission the Republican Party has no room at the inn for Americans with alternative lifestyles. By omission, these pillars of the community have little room for minorities. It was noted during a broadcast this week that 5% of Latinos are registered Republicans and 2% of African Americans are registered with the Grand Old Party. The Buchanans must be very proud!
* Republicans and “special” needs – There was much fanfare when Palin, a parent of a special needs child, said that when she is in Washington she will be a voice for this constituency. The reality is that Republicans are deaf to people with real needs. Recall that this year it was Republicans that attempted to block health insurance for 10 million children. They are spending our treasure on weapons of questionable value and to bail out American financial industry icons Bear Stearns, Fanny Mae and Fanny Mac who lost billions of dollars due to incompetent and avaricious business decisions. The bailout is costing taxpayers billions of dollars. The American flag was waving fervently in the background during the speeches at the Republican convention but their promises, as usual, are limp.
* 64 percent ~ people concerned that Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) "would pursue policies that are too similar to what George W. Bush has pursued," according to a new USA Today/Gallup poll conducted over Labor Day weekend. Forty-seven percent fall into the "very concerned" category and 17 percent rate themselves "somewhat concerned." Other polls of interest this week: Obama, for the first time, reached 50% in a national poll (Gallup); in a CNN/Time opinion poll in Iowa, a state with a 95% white population, Obama leads McCain 55% to 40%.
* Four more years ~ the Republican platform in need of CPR – With a recent history of little if any accomplishment and a future of no promise for the majority of the American people Republicans once again have opened their Karl Rove book by creating non-issues and lies on which to run their campaign. On Tuesday night they invited a former Democrat and current Independent to address their convention. With the economy, meaningful jobs, infrastructure and the standing of the U.S. in the world community all in decline what did Joe Lieberman focus on - film maker and political activist Michael Moore. That will always energize the base. Did any Republican orator discuss methods to improve the economy, help the deteriorating economic situation of middle class and poor citizens, improve health care for those most in need? They did offer one solution to one of the issues of concern to most Americans – fossil fuel dependence. Their solution and subsequent coordinated chant by the assembled Republican delegates – drill, drill, drill. Watching this display I felt like I was at the dentist.
* Republican Presidential Slogan - "McCAIN-PALIN: A BRIDGE TO NOWHERE"
What did John McCain embrace during his acceptance speech in St. Paul? With one arm around Bush (he voted with him 90% of the time in 2007 and 2008), with one arm around Karl Rove (a very influential advisor) and one arm around Sarah Palin (and the religious right) McCain painted himself a maverick that will change the way Washington does business – while being remiss in not mentioning the over 120 lobbyists involved with his campaign. If this is change you can believe in McCain must believe that the electorate are atheists.
* Yes Virginia, and 49 other states, there is a critical need for clean energy in America the beautiful - The clean energy tax credit will expire at the end of 2008. This tax credit encourages industry to develop renewable energy such as wind and solar power and its extension would appear to be a no brainer. But logic and good governance in Washington D.C. is not something we can assume. EarthJustice is providing a petition to congress urging the renewal of this important legislation.
* $1 billion in aid for Georgia ~ the country, not the state – The Bush administration announced a $1 billion package of aid to help rebuild Georgia after its rout by Russian forces last month. Are I and Ron Paul the only ones that find this “charity” curious? The U.S. is not exactly rolling in assets as our deficit grows as fast as the dishonesty emanating from the McCain campaign. The aid package is intended to rebuild Georgia’s infrastructure and its economy. One wonders if the President of the United States ever heard of the country whose infrastructure is in great need of repair and whose economy is facing major struggles – a country that goes by the name ‘United States.”
* Speaking of Georgia ~ the state, not the country ~ meet the Derriere Orifice of the Week, Representative Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA). He was asked to compare Sarah Palin and Michelle Obama and said, “Just from what little I’ve seen of her and Mr. Obama, Sen. Obama, they’re a member of an elitist-class individual that thinks that they’re uppity.” The word “uppity” was used by Westmoreland’s ancestors when not wearing a white sheet and carrying a flaming cross. When dressed in their drag the “N” word was their mot du choice. Recall that Westmoreland was the lawmaker who co-sponsored legislation requiring that the Ten Commandments be displayed in court houses. He then appeared on the Colbert Report where he was asked to recite the Commandments. He barely was able to name five of them. I guess this was the reason he needed them displayed in public places – constitutional law aside.
* No way to treat a lady ~ I find it amusing the intensity with which the political pundits caution Joe Biden that he will have to be careful when he debates Sarah Palin. Do not be condescending; do not be a bully. I say Biden should use the approach that our adversaries will bring to the negotiating table should Palin lead this country: Russia will bring Baked Alaska, China will bring Cherries Jubilee and North Korea will bring Candied Moose Ears. Maybe Biden should just send flowers and not show up. Oops, that was George Bush’s approach to foreign policy negotiation. Never mind.
* Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly and for the same reason.
Author Unknown
Monday, September 1, 2008
Laboring on Labor Day over the less than laborious search for a Republican vice presidential nominee:
* I applaud the Republican VP selection of Sarah Palin because McCain’s selection is Soooooo defective, inadequate, lacking, imperfect, substandard and offensive that it epitomizes what Republicans offer America in 2008 – a ticket worse than the pathetic administration of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. If this does not convince America to choose Obama and Biden then this country deserves its continuing flush into the national and international septic tank.
~ First, I must correct my observation last week that Palin nixed the “bridge to nowhere” – a claim she reiterated when introduced as McCain’s VP selection. It appears that she did not feel that way when she was running for governor. “The Anchorage Daily News quoted her on Oct. 22, 2006, as saying yes, she would continue state funding for the bridge because she wanted swift action on infrastructure projects: "The window is now while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist," she said. After the Ketchikan bridge became an issue and an object of ridicule, Congress dropped the earmark. Sarah Palin is the perfect fit for the Republican Party as we know it in the early stages of the 21st Century. In her first national appearance she lied.
~ Governor Palin is a social conservative who is against abortion for any reason, including RAPE. She is for adding Intelligent Design/Creationism to classroom curriculums. We must assume that she is an Alito-Thomas-Roberts-Scalia groupie and would appoint like ultra conservative Supreme Court Justices who interpret the constitution in a manner that religious conservatives interpret the bible – literally. The concept of Originalism as applied to the U.S. Constitution leaves little room for adjustment/adaptation, over two centuries after its writing. This is contrary to what the creators of the constitution intended and why amendments were anticipated. If there are any Hillary supporters that relate to these regressive and repressive philosophies they are supporters in drag.
~ Regardless of the closeness in the polls the McCain campaign has panicked. How else to explain the Palin nomination? It takes “experience” off the table – a core issue that McCain was attempting to convey to voters. It insults women because other than possessing the female chromosome Mrs. Palin possesses nothing else to justify the position of VP. It insults 300,000,000 Americans and the world community that beginning on January 20, 2009 Palin is one McCain heart attack, stroke or recurring skin cancer event away from being the United States commander-in chief. This nomination is akin to me claiming that my novice piano lessons over the last 18 months have prepared me to perform at Carnegie Hall on a program with Lang Lang!
* Welcome to the Alternative Universe of the Palin nomination ~ what life must be like on a bad LSD acid trip:
~ Appearing on Fox News McCain was asked, “if he could honestly say that Sarah Palin was the best person to put a heartbeat away from the presidency.” McCain responded, “Oh, yeah. She's a partner and a soulmate." John McCain met Sarah Palin once before selecting her to be VP.
~ On ABC Cindy McCain commented on Palin’s experience: "You know, the experience that she comes from is, what she has done in government -- and remember that Alaska is the closest part of our continent to Russia."
Earlier in the interview Mrs. McCain said, “Palin was ‘heavily experienced’ in general, citing her going from the PTA to mayor to governor -- and having a son headed for Iraq. She actually said that she started her political career at the PTA "like everybody else."
~ Sarah Palin’s mother-in-law, Faye Palin said, "I'm not sure what she brings to the ticket other than she's a woman and a conservative. Well, she's a better speaker than McCain." Faye Palin admitted she enjoys hearing Barack Obama speak, and still hasn't decided which way she'll vote.
~ Former Republican Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee said Sunday on CNN, “She has experience not only in politics but in life.” If that is the criteria McCain-ad heroines Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears have greater experience.
~ Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said, "Palin is commander-in-chief of the Alaskan National Guard." The state's Guard has about 4,000 members.
~ Alaska National Guard Major General Maj. Craig Campbell said, “Palin plays no role in national defense activities even when they involve the Alaska National Guard.”
~ Sen. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina said, "Governor Palin took on Ted Stevens. If she can take him on, she can take on the Russians." Stevens, a Republican senator, is facing corruption charges and running for re-election. Stevens and Palin have been political allies since before Palin became governor. Lindsay Graham must have missed the July 2, 2008 press conference where Palin and Stevenson held a joint press conference on energy. When Palin was asked about their relationship: "I have great respect for the Senator," Palin said, "He needs to be heard across America. His voice, his experience, his passion needs to be heard across America--so that Alaska can contribute more." On July 29, 2008 Stevens was indicted on federal corruption charges.
~ Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, appearing on CBS' "Face the Nation," saw a kindred spirit in Palin's experience as mayor, despite the fact that her town, Wasilla, has about 7,000 people and his had nearly 8 million when 9/11 happened.
Thanks to The Huffington Post for their work in providing much of the information noted above.
For me the nomination of Sarah Palin generates a conflict of emotions. I waver between wanting to laugh and cry. Every time I start to laugh I remember what the implications are for my country and tears begin to form.
Happy Labor Day.
* I applaud the Republican VP selection of Sarah Palin because McCain’s selection is Soooooo defective, inadequate, lacking, imperfect, substandard and offensive that it epitomizes what Republicans offer America in 2008 – a ticket worse than the pathetic administration of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. If this does not convince America to choose Obama and Biden then this country deserves its continuing flush into the national and international septic tank.
~ First, I must correct my observation last week that Palin nixed the “bridge to nowhere” – a claim she reiterated when introduced as McCain’s VP selection. It appears that she did not feel that way when she was running for governor. “The Anchorage Daily News quoted her on Oct. 22, 2006, as saying yes, she would continue state funding for the bridge because she wanted swift action on infrastructure projects: "The window is now while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist," she said. After the Ketchikan bridge became an issue and an object of ridicule, Congress dropped the earmark. Sarah Palin is the perfect fit for the Republican Party as we know it in the early stages of the 21st Century. In her first national appearance she lied.
~ Governor Palin is a social conservative who is against abortion for any reason, including RAPE. She is for adding Intelligent Design/Creationism to classroom curriculums. We must assume that she is an Alito-Thomas-Roberts-Scalia groupie and would appoint like ultra conservative Supreme Court Justices who interpret the constitution in a manner that religious conservatives interpret the bible – literally. The concept of Originalism as applied to the U.S. Constitution leaves little room for adjustment/adaptation, over two centuries after its writing. This is contrary to what the creators of the constitution intended and why amendments were anticipated. If there are any Hillary supporters that relate to these regressive and repressive philosophies they are supporters in drag.
~ Regardless of the closeness in the polls the McCain campaign has panicked. How else to explain the Palin nomination? It takes “experience” off the table – a core issue that McCain was attempting to convey to voters. It insults women because other than possessing the female chromosome Mrs. Palin possesses nothing else to justify the position of VP. It insults 300,000,000 Americans and the world community that beginning on January 20, 2009 Palin is one McCain heart attack, stroke or recurring skin cancer event away from being the United States commander-in chief. This nomination is akin to me claiming that my novice piano lessons over the last 18 months have prepared me to perform at Carnegie Hall on a program with Lang Lang!
* Welcome to the Alternative Universe of the Palin nomination ~ what life must be like on a bad LSD acid trip:
~ Appearing on Fox News McCain was asked, “if he could honestly say that Sarah Palin was the best person to put a heartbeat away from the presidency.” McCain responded, “Oh, yeah. She's a partner and a soulmate." John McCain met Sarah Palin once before selecting her to be VP.
~ On ABC Cindy McCain commented on Palin’s experience: "You know, the experience that she comes from is, what she has done in government -- and remember that Alaska is the closest part of our continent to Russia."
Earlier in the interview Mrs. McCain said, “Palin was ‘heavily experienced’ in general, citing her going from the PTA to mayor to governor -- and having a son headed for Iraq. She actually said that she started her political career at the PTA "like everybody else."
~ Sarah Palin’s mother-in-law, Faye Palin said, "I'm not sure what she brings to the ticket other than she's a woman and a conservative. Well, she's a better speaker than McCain." Faye Palin admitted she enjoys hearing Barack Obama speak, and still hasn't decided which way she'll vote.
~ Former Republican Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee said Sunday on CNN, “She has experience not only in politics but in life.” If that is the criteria McCain-ad heroines Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears have greater experience.
~ Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said, "Palin is commander-in-chief of the Alaskan National Guard." The state's Guard has about 4,000 members.
~ Alaska National Guard Major General Maj. Craig Campbell said, “Palin plays no role in national defense activities even when they involve the Alaska National Guard.”
~ Sen. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina said, "Governor Palin took on Ted Stevens. If she can take him on, she can take on the Russians." Stevens, a Republican senator, is facing corruption charges and running for re-election. Stevens and Palin have been political allies since before Palin became governor. Lindsay Graham must have missed the July 2, 2008 press conference where Palin and Stevenson held a joint press conference on energy. When Palin was asked about their relationship: "I have great respect for the Senator," Palin said, "He needs to be heard across America. His voice, his experience, his passion needs to be heard across America--so that Alaska can contribute more." On July 29, 2008 Stevens was indicted on federal corruption charges.
~ Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, appearing on CBS' "Face the Nation," saw a kindred spirit in Palin's experience as mayor, despite the fact that her town, Wasilla, has about 7,000 people and his had nearly 8 million when 9/11 happened.
Thanks to The Huffington Post for their work in providing much of the information noted above.
For me the nomination of Sarah Palin generates a conflict of emotions. I waver between wanting to laugh and cry. Every time I start to laugh I remember what the implications are for my country and tears begin to form.
Happy Labor Day.
Friday, August 29, 2008
* “Who Are You?” – This is the title of a song by one of my favorite rock groups, The Who. It could also be the theme song for the 2008 presidential campaign. Barack Obama is a relative newcomer to the national political scene and voters are just getting to know him. There is uneasiness about and questions for the man who would lead America and be a force in the world community. The undecided voters will be the deciding votes in this election so Senator Obama’s challenge will be to convince America that he is the one to lead a country that finds itself in a critically precarious national and international condition and that is suffering from incompetence and neglect over the last eight years.
At the same time, “Who Are You?” must also be asked of the man who says he is the one with the experience and the candidate most prepared to reside in the White House on January 20, 2009. While addressing the Democratic National Convention John Kerry made it very clear that there is a deep chasm between John McCain the senator and John McCain the candidate. Citing the well-worn phrase “he was for it before he was against it,” a phrase used against Kerry during his bid for the White House in 2004, he applied it to McCain’s frequent whip lash reversals that include McCain being against the use of torture, new off-shore drilling, negative campaign tactics and tax breaks for the wealthy as a senator. As the Republican presidential candidate he is now for them. The list of McCain pirouettes also include being outspoken against lobbyist influence in Washington and the negative influence of the Christian religious right, both groups that he now embraces with bear hug ferocity. During the Republican presidential primaries Mitt Romney set a very high bar for flip-flopping. McCain has surpassed this obsequious pandering, thus garnering the tarnished irony medal.
* The phrase “political pundit” has become code for derriere orifice – The quality of political commentators imposed upon us during broadcasts of the Democratic convention was unworthy of the gravity of the 2008 election. If you watched the telecasts you also are shaking your head and fighting a gag reflex. What particularly had me reaching for a roll of Rolaids was CBS. They brought on board a body language expert to analyze whether Hillary Clinton really meant it when she endorsed Barack Obama on Tuesday night in Denver. If Senator Clinton were not protected by the Secret Service I imagine some yoyo with a microphone would have body-slammed her to the stage and compressed her wind pipe until she admitted that she hates Barack (Note: President Bush acquiesces enhanced interrogation methods). I suggest that the executives and producers of this week’s commercial news broadcasts be locked in a room until the election on November 4th and be forced to watch continuous loops of the sophomoric pap they inflicted on viewers. Congratulations to PBS’ Jim Lehrer, his associates and guests for providing interesting, civil and cogent commentary on the convention.
* The phrase “private contractor” has become code for political cronyism and payoffs ~ U.S. intelligence agencies are increasingly using private contractors to perform essential intelligence work. From The Washington Post, “About a quarter of the nation's core intelligence workers are contractors, perhaps as many as 37,000 private employees who work side-by-side with civil servants as analysts, technology specialists and mission managers, according to a report about government outsourcing by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.” The contract worker cost the government $207,000 while the government employee they sit next to earns $125,000. This is not unlike the equally disturbing situation in Iraq with Bush/Cheney best pals - the private contractors KBR and Blackwater. There is much evidence that their work has been fraught with fraud and incompetence, over-charging and non-performance. This is what the Republicans call fiscal responsibility and reducing the size of the federal government. Talk is cheap but not the economic burden of their policies.
* The Olympics are over and the fall television lineup is weeks away. What can we distract ourselves with to keep our minds off global warming, the Iraq war, the tenuousness of the Pakistani government, rising food prices, dropping home values and falling arches? Greeting cards may fill the bill. Hallmark just released its new line of Gay Marriage Greeting Cards and the religious right is not sending Thank You notes. Donald E. Wildmon, founder and chairman of the Christian right American Family Association tells his members: “Hallmark pushes same-sex marriage” and urges members to tell Hallmark to “stop promoting a lifestyle that is not only unhealthy but illegal in 48 states.” I say let’s take this a step further. Since heterosexual sex also has the potential to be unhealthy let’s eliminate all sexual intercourse, cease species reproduction and soon eliminate the entire market for Hallmark cards. That will teach these heathen bastards a lesson.
* Attention and About Face! - It has been about 1950 days since our Commander-In-Chief, donning a Corinthian leather flight jacket, heroically uttered the words about our invasion of Iraq – “Mission Accomplished.” An accomplished mission would imply an end to hostilities but in this case they became worse and worse and many more Iraqi and American lives were lost and many more limbs were lost and other injuries incurred. Those who called for an end to the Iraq fiasco were called cowards and traitors by administration officials and Republican spokespeople. The irony of this “marketing” of the war is how can one promote defeatism for a mission that had already claimed victory? Another irony that stands out is that the Bush administration just agreed for a timetable of complete withdrawal of U.S. troops by the end of 2011 after first demanding an end-date of 2015 - a maneuver that Bush and McCain railed would result in America’s defeat. Okay, they are not calling it a timetable because that would make them appear even greater fools. Through the erudition of Secretary Rice they have come up with an “approximate horizon” and “aspirational timetable” for troop withdrawal. Call it what you will but it is another concession to stubborn failed policy suffered by the Bush administration.
* My reaction to the nomination of Joe Biden for Democratic VP is quite positive. I generally like the man and my reservations about him are few. Biden voted for the Iraq war but since then he has been a strong voice in supporting the troops and extricating the U.S. from Iraq. I am also disappointed in his support of the consumer bankruptcy legislation which was extremely regressive for consumers and contrary to Biden’s “blue collar” credentials. It was legislation strongly pushed by MBNA before being acquired by Bank of America. MBNA was based in Biden’s state of Delaware so I have to wonder about the motivation behind Biden’s support for this legislation. That being said, I think he was a strong addition to the Democratic ticket providing serious experience on national security issues.
* My reaction to the nomination of Sarah Palin for Republican VP is one of bewilderment. On the non-political plus side the 44-year old Governor of Alaska has challenged what has been a state with considerable corruption by passing strong ethics reform legislation and putting to an end the $400 million dollar boondoggle of Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens’ bridge to nowhere. On the Republican plus side she is pro-gun, anti-choice and not particularly concerned about the environment. However, having been mayor of Wasilla with a population of under 10,000 people and now chief executive for only two years of a state with a population under 700,000 does not make for a substantial resume. Why is her experience important to voters? She would be a heartbeat away from the most important and powerful political position in the world - separated from that position by 72-year old John McCain with a history of serious skin cancer. Strategically, this VP nomination may attract some Hillary Clinton supporter votes but for most of us the question for Governor Palin is, Who Are You?
* American voters will be asking the following questions from now until November 4, 2008:
Well, who are you?
(Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
I really wanna know
(Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)'
Cause I really wanna know
(Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
These lyrics from the song “Who Are You?” do not remind one of Irving Berlin but, the song has a great beat.
* "For over two decades, he's (McCain) subscribed to that old, discredited Republican philosophy — give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. In Washington, they call this the Ownership Society, but what it really means is you're on your own. Out of work? Tough luck. No health care? The market will fix it. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps — even if you don’t have boots. You're on your own. Well, it's time for them to own their failure. It's time for us to change America."
Barack Obama, speaking at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado 8/28/08
At the same time, “Who Are You?” must also be asked of the man who says he is the one with the experience and the candidate most prepared to reside in the White House on January 20, 2009. While addressing the Democratic National Convention John Kerry made it very clear that there is a deep chasm between John McCain the senator and John McCain the candidate. Citing the well-worn phrase “he was for it before he was against it,” a phrase used against Kerry during his bid for the White House in 2004, he applied it to McCain’s frequent whip lash reversals that include McCain being against the use of torture, new off-shore drilling, negative campaign tactics and tax breaks for the wealthy as a senator. As the Republican presidential candidate he is now for them. The list of McCain pirouettes also include being outspoken against lobbyist influence in Washington and the negative influence of the Christian religious right, both groups that he now embraces with bear hug ferocity. During the Republican presidential primaries Mitt Romney set a very high bar for flip-flopping. McCain has surpassed this obsequious pandering, thus garnering the tarnished irony medal.
* The phrase “political pundit” has become code for derriere orifice – The quality of political commentators imposed upon us during broadcasts of the Democratic convention was unworthy of the gravity of the 2008 election. If you watched the telecasts you also are shaking your head and fighting a gag reflex. What particularly had me reaching for a roll of Rolaids was CBS. They brought on board a body language expert to analyze whether Hillary Clinton really meant it when she endorsed Barack Obama on Tuesday night in Denver. If Senator Clinton were not protected by the Secret Service I imagine some yoyo with a microphone would have body-slammed her to the stage and compressed her wind pipe until she admitted that she hates Barack (Note: President Bush acquiesces enhanced interrogation methods). I suggest that the executives and producers of this week’s commercial news broadcasts be locked in a room until the election on November 4th and be forced to watch continuous loops of the sophomoric pap they inflicted on viewers. Congratulations to PBS’ Jim Lehrer, his associates and guests for providing interesting, civil and cogent commentary on the convention.
* The phrase “private contractor” has become code for political cronyism and payoffs ~ U.S. intelligence agencies are increasingly using private contractors to perform essential intelligence work. From The Washington Post, “About a quarter of the nation's core intelligence workers are contractors, perhaps as many as 37,000 private employees who work side-by-side with civil servants as analysts, technology specialists and mission managers, according to a report about government outsourcing by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.” The contract worker cost the government $207,000 while the government employee they sit next to earns $125,000. This is not unlike the equally disturbing situation in Iraq with Bush/Cheney best pals - the private contractors KBR and Blackwater. There is much evidence that their work has been fraught with fraud and incompetence, over-charging and non-performance. This is what the Republicans call fiscal responsibility and reducing the size of the federal government. Talk is cheap but not the economic burden of their policies.
* The Olympics are over and the fall television lineup is weeks away. What can we distract ourselves with to keep our minds off global warming, the Iraq war, the tenuousness of the Pakistani government, rising food prices, dropping home values and falling arches? Greeting cards may fill the bill. Hallmark just released its new line of Gay Marriage Greeting Cards and the religious right is not sending Thank You notes. Donald E. Wildmon, founder and chairman of the Christian right American Family Association tells his members: “Hallmark pushes same-sex marriage” and urges members to tell Hallmark to “stop promoting a lifestyle that is not only unhealthy but illegal in 48 states.” I say let’s take this a step further. Since heterosexual sex also has the potential to be unhealthy let’s eliminate all sexual intercourse, cease species reproduction and soon eliminate the entire market for Hallmark cards. That will teach these heathen bastards a lesson.
* Attention and About Face! - It has been about 1950 days since our Commander-In-Chief, donning a Corinthian leather flight jacket, heroically uttered the words about our invasion of Iraq – “Mission Accomplished.” An accomplished mission would imply an end to hostilities but in this case they became worse and worse and many more Iraqi and American lives were lost and many more limbs were lost and other injuries incurred. Those who called for an end to the Iraq fiasco were called cowards and traitors by administration officials and Republican spokespeople. The irony of this “marketing” of the war is how can one promote defeatism for a mission that had already claimed victory? Another irony that stands out is that the Bush administration just agreed for a timetable of complete withdrawal of U.S. troops by the end of 2011 after first demanding an end-date of 2015 - a maneuver that Bush and McCain railed would result in America’s defeat. Okay, they are not calling it a timetable because that would make them appear even greater fools. Through the erudition of Secretary Rice they have come up with an “approximate horizon” and “aspirational timetable” for troop withdrawal. Call it what you will but it is another concession to stubborn failed policy suffered by the Bush administration.
* My reaction to the nomination of Joe Biden for Democratic VP is quite positive. I generally like the man and my reservations about him are few. Biden voted for the Iraq war but since then he has been a strong voice in supporting the troops and extricating the U.S. from Iraq. I am also disappointed in his support of the consumer bankruptcy legislation which was extremely regressive for consumers and contrary to Biden’s “blue collar” credentials. It was legislation strongly pushed by MBNA before being acquired by Bank of America. MBNA was based in Biden’s state of Delaware so I have to wonder about the motivation behind Biden’s support for this legislation. That being said, I think he was a strong addition to the Democratic ticket providing serious experience on national security issues.
* My reaction to the nomination of Sarah Palin for Republican VP is one of bewilderment. On the non-political plus side the 44-year old Governor of Alaska has challenged what has been a state with considerable corruption by passing strong ethics reform legislation and putting to an end the $400 million dollar boondoggle of Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens’ bridge to nowhere. On the Republican plus side she is pro-gun, anti-choice and not particularly concerned about the environment. However, having been mayor of Wasilla with a population of under 10,000 people and now chief executive for only two years of a state with a population under 700,000 does not make for a substantial resume. Why is her experience important to voters? She would be a heartbeat away from the most important and powerful political position in the world - separated from that position by 72-year old John McCain with a history of serious skin cancer. Strategically, this VP nomination may attract some Hillary Clinton supporter votes but for most of us the question for Governor Palin is, Who Are You?
* American voters will be asking the following questions from now until November 4, 2008:
Well, who are you?
(Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
I really wanna know
(Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)'
Cause I really wanna know
(Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
These lyrics from the song “Who Are You?” do not remind one of Irving Berlin but, the song has a great beat.
* "For over two decades, he's (McCain) subscribed to that old, discredited Republican philosophy — give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. In Washington, they call this the Ownership Society, but what it really means is you're on your own. Out of work? Tough luck. No health care? The market will fix it. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps — even if you don’t have boots. You're on your own. Well, it's time for them to own their failure. It's time for us to change America."
Barack Obama, speaking at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado 8/28/08
Friday, August 22, 2008
* Terrorists or the marriage of elected officials to lobbyists ~ which is the more dangerous threat to Americans? In a NY Times book review of Thomas Frank’s “The Wrecking Crew” we learn, “The increasing supply of lobbyists, Frank observes, “should have driven the price of lobbying down, not up. … The most credible explanation … is that clients grew more and more confident that their lobbyists could deliver something of value in exchange for their fees. … The reason companies started buying, in other words, was that Congress began selling. Special-interest earmarks in legislation by members of Congress have exploded in number, while careers in elected or appointed office are apprenticeships for lobbying jobs.”
Since congress sets the rules for lobbyists and their interaction with elected officials the public is virtually defenseless against their self-aggrandizement. In the last decade ethics oversight of congressman has been virtually non-existent. Given the existing circumstances foreseeable change is not likely because the inmates are running the prison. Where is the public outcry? It is distracted by nonsensical issues promulgated by Republican spinmeisters, buoyed by the myopic pleas of the religious right and too often reinforced by corporate media magpies. Nor should Democratic congressmen be held blameless. There is some merit to their argument that their bare majority in Congress is insufficient to bring about meaningful change but one wonders if this is not also a cover for their complicity in the lobbyist culture. And, we the people are not blameless. Every poll demonstrates that the American people are completely fed up with Congress but when polled about their own elected officials they would return them to office. If this is a result of being comfortable with the devil that you know, welcome to hell.
~ Bovine excreta of the week - In an interview on Wednesday McCain said about lobbyists, “Whenever there’s a corrupt system, then you’re going to have these birds of prey descend on it to get their share of the spoils. … Lobbyists don’t come to my office. Because they know they’re not going to be an earmark. They know they’re not going to get a pork-barrel project… I think there are too many lobbyists in Washington.” For the record, McCain has at least 159 lobbyists – on leaves of absence - running his campaign, fundraising, and shaping his policies. ProgressiveAccountability.org lists the names, firms and issues.
* Another wedding you don’t want to attend ~ John McCain and corporate America – From ThinkProgress.org “The Hill reports that the CEOs of the 100 biggest Fortune 500 corporations have given approximately 10 times as much to John McCain as they have to Barack Obama. One explanation for this “generosity,” as outlined by the Center for American Progress Action Fund, is that McCain’s proposed corporate tax cuts would result in a $45 billion tax giveaway to the 200 largest corporations in America and a total of $175 billion in corporate tax breaks. Wal-Mart, Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips would each receive over $1 billion in tax breaks. It is obvious that their campaign contributions are a most prudent “investment.” Given the current federal debt, the fragility of the American economy and the deteriorating financial condition of most Americans this country cannot afford the corporate tax reductions that McCain proposes. If McCain and corporate America consummate their marriage close to 300,000,000 Americans get screwed without the benefit of an orchestra or a honeymoon.
* Like Vana White, just flipping letters ~ Wal-Mart / Mal-Mart – The leading retailer in America once again demonstrated its disdain for integrity, employee rights and probably federal law. The Wall Street Journal reports, “Prominent labor groups are seeking an investigation into whether Wal-Mart Stores Inc. violated federal election laws by telling employees that electing Democrats would lead to passage of legislation making it easier to unionize companies.” The article outlines a number of misleading claims aimed at intimidating employees of the Arkansas-based retailer. To learn more about this egregious icon of 21st Century corporate culture I suggest a visit to WakeUpWalMart.com and The Real Wal-Mart Facts. Their track record of being an irresponsible employer is only the tip of the iceberg.
*Where did I put that house? – Most of us have at one time or another misplaced the keys to our house. It is especially rare to misplace a house. Meet John McCain. On Wednesday McCain said he was unsure how many houses he and his wife Cindy owned but his staff would get back to the reporter who made the inquiry (USA Today reports that the McCains own 12 luxurious homes valued at over $10 million). The damn biased media have to stop asking the Senator from Arizona such nuanced questions. Before you know it they will begin asking him meaningful questions about the U.S. economy, where it is likely he will trip over his lip.
* McCain says he has strong national security credentials – The Jed Report provides a video of John McCain appearing on Larry King Live in 2001 saying, “if he'd been president, he'd have picked Donald Rumsfeld to be his Secretary of Defense and Dick Cheney to be his VP.” We unfortunately know how that scenario worked out! Is there any doubt that Cheney would have manipulated McCain the same way he pulled the strings of George Pinocchio Bush?
* I could use some friends in high places ~ versus friends who use to get high – This week I wrote a check to pay my county real estate tax. On that same day I read an article about the Governor of Nevada. It seems that the “honorable” Jim Gibbons (he is facing ethics and criminal investigations on unrelated matters) will face the state Ethics Commission for his role in securing a $5,000 tax break on his property near Lamoille, Nevada. The tax break allowed Gibbons to pay only $40 in state taxes for 40 acres of land. One dollar per acre! My annual property tax calculates to five dollars per square foot! Talk about inspiration to run for public office!
* Were you heartened when so many of our national leaders spoke out about Russia invading Georgia? Typical of the responses was the comment by Mitt Romney who said, “Russians have shown their willingness to act militarily against a sovereign nation.” His outrage and hand wringing was matched by the likes of Bush, Rice, McCain, Lieberman, Graham and every neocon this side of the military-industrial complex – all of whom strongly and complicity supported the U.S. invading the sovereign nation of Iraq.
* It has been leaked to the media that Joe Lieberman has been vetted as a potential Republican VP selection. As much as Lieberman has kissed-up to the Christian religious-right and embraced McCain/Bush policies it could be argued that the possibility is credible. I believe that this Jewish Senator from Connecticut has as much chance of being John (America is a Christian nation) McCain’s running mate as George Bush has of his profile being chiseled into Mount Rushmore.
* Corruption: the dishonest exploitation of power for personal gain – the web site Obsidian Wings did a Google search for “Bush administration + corruption.” The result was 2,640,000 web links. The article was pointing out the corruption this country has been subjected to over the last 7 plus years as a prelude to its comments about Medicare fraud. Misleading comments by Medicare officials in 2006 led Congress to believe that its efforts to reduce fraudulent and improper claims were successful. “But according to a confidential draft of a federal inspector general’s report, those claims of success… were misleading… Medicare officials told outside auditors to ignore government policies that would have accurately measured fraud, according to the report. For example, auditors were told not to compare invoices from salespeople against doctors’ records, as required by law, to make sure that medical equipment went to actual patients.” I say let’s not be too critical of these Medicare officials. They were wearing their American Flag pin on their lapels during testimony thereby providing them immunity from perjury.
* George Bush’s Peepness Envy ~ England’s spying program on its citizens may be bigger than his – An investigation by The Sunday Telegraph found, “In one week, the average person living in Britain has 3,254 pieces of personal information stored about him or her, most of which is kept in databases for years and in some cases indefinitely… The data include details about shopping habits, mobile phone use, emails, locations during the day, journeys and internet searches.” A recommendation for college students: if you read this article it will not be necessary to read George Orwell’s “1984” next semester. “The book has major significance for its vision of an all-knowing government which uses pervasive and constant surveillance of the populace, insidious and blatant propaganda, and brutal control over its citizens.”
The Washington Post this week published an article about the amount of data the U.S. government is collecting on its own citizens when crossing the borders with Canada and Mexico. Like the terrorist watch list so much information is being collected, ostensibly to protect us, it is doubtful that anyone is actually protected as the system drowns in data.
* “People say that President Nixon had phlebitis. That is simply not true. You don’t screw over 200 million people and get phlebitis. You get syphilis!”
My recollection from a Jackie Mason performance about 20 years ago.
Since congress sets the rules for lobbyists and their interaction with elected officials the public is virtually defenseless against their self-aggrandizement. In the last decade ethics oversight of congressman has been virtually non-existent. Given the existing circumstances foreseeable change is not likely because the inmates are running the prison. Where is the public outcry? It is distracted by nonsensical issues promulgated by Republican spinmeisters, buoyed by the myopic pleas of the religious right and too often reinforced by corporate media magpies. Nor should Democratic congressmen be held blameless. There is some merit to their argument that their bare majority in Congress is insufficient to bring about meaningful change but one wonders if this is not also a cover for their complicity in the lobbyist culture. And, we the people are not blameless. Every poll demonstrates that the American people are completely fed up with Congress but when polled about their own elected officials they would return them to office. If this is a result of being comfortable with the devil that you know, welcome to hell.
~ Bovine excreta of the week - In an interview on Wednesday McCain said about lobbyists, “Whenever there’s a corrupt system, then you’re going to have these birds of prey descend on it to get their share of the spoils. … Lobbyists don’t come to my office. Because they know they’re not going to be an earmark. They know they’re not going to get a pork-barrel project… I think there are too many lobbyists in Washington.” For the record, McCain has at least 159 lobbyists – on leaves of absence - running his campaign, fundraising, and shaping his policies. ProgressiveAccountability.org lists the names, firms and issues.
* Another wedding you don’t want to attend ~ John McCain and corporate America – From ThinkProgress.org “The Hill reports that the CEOs of the 100 biggest Fortune 500 corporations have given approximately 10 times as much to John McCain as they have to Barack Obama. One explanation for this “generosity,” as outlined by the Center for American Progress Action Fund, is that McCain’s proposed corporate tax cuts would result in a $45 billion tax giveaway to the 200 largest corporations in America and a total of $175 billion in corporate tax breaks. Wal-Mart, Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips would each receive over $1 billion in tax breaks. It is obvious that their campaign contributions are a most prudent “investment.” Given the current federal debt, the fragility of the American economy and the deteriorating financial condition of most Americans this country cannot afford the corporate tax reductions that McCain proposes. If McCain and corporate America consummate their marriage close to 300,000,000 Americans get screwed without the benefit of an orchestra or a honeymoon.
* Like Vana White, just flipping letters ~ Wal-Mart / Mal-Mart – The leading retailer in America once again demonstrated its disdain for integrity, employee rights and probably federal law. The Wall Street Journal reports, “Prominent labor groups are seeking an investigation into whether Wal-Mart Stores Inc. violated federal election laws by telling employees that electing Democrats would lead to passage of legislation making it easier to unionize companies.” The article outlines a number of misleading claims aimed at intimidating employees of the Arkansas-based retailer. To learn more about this egregious icon of 21st Century corporate culture I suggest a visit to WakeUpWalMart.com and The Real Wal-Mart Facts. Their track record of being an irresponsible employer is only the tip of the iceberg.
*Where did I put that house? – Most of us have at one time or another misplaced the keys to our house. It is especially rare to misplace a house. Meet John McCain. On Wednesday McCain said he was unsure how many houses he and his wife Cindy owned but his staff would get back to the reporter who made the inquiry (USA Today reports that the McCains own 12 luxurious homes valued at over $10 million). The damn biased media have to stop asking the Senator from Arizona such nuanced questions. Before you know it they will begin asking him meaningful questions about the U.S. economy, where it is likely he will trip over his lip.
* McCain says he has strong national security credentials – The Jed Report provides a video of John McCain appearing on Larry King Live in 2001 saying, “if he'd been president, he'd have picked Donald Rumsfeld to be his Secretary of Defense and Dick Cheney to be his VP.” We unfortunately know how that scenario worked out! Is there any doubt that Cheney would have manipulated McCain the same way he pulled the strings of George Pinocchio Bush?
* I could use some friends in high places ~ versus friends who use to get high – This week I wrote a check to pay my county real estate tax. On that same day I read an article about the Governor of Nevada. It seems that the “honorable” Jim Gibbons (he is facing ethics and criminal investigations on unrelated matters) will face the state Ethics Commission for his role in securing a $5,000 tax break on his property near Lamoille, Nevada. The tax break allowed Gibbons to pay only $40 in state taxes for 40 acres of land. One dollar per acre! My annual property tax calculates to five dollars per square foot! Talk about inspiration to run for public office!
* Were you heartened when so many of our national leaders spoke out about Russia invading Georgia? Typical of the responses was the comment by Mitt Romney who said, “Russians have shown their willingness to act militarily against a sovereign nation.” His outrage and hand wringing was matched by the likes of Bush, Rice, McCain, Lieberman, Graham and every neocon this side of the military-industrial complex – all of whom strongly and complicity supported the U.S. invading the sovereign nation of Iraq.
* It has been leaked to the media that Joe Lieberman has been vetted as a potential Republican VP selection. As much as Lieberman has kissed-up to the Christian religious-right and embraced McCain/Bush policies it could be argued that the possibility is credible. I believe that this Jewish Senator from Connecticut has as much chance of being John (America is a Christian nation) McCain’s running mate as George Bush has of his profile being chiseled into Mount Rushmore.
* Corruption: the dishonest exploitation of power for personal gain – the web site Obsidian Wings did a Google search for “Bush administration + corruption.” The result was 2,640,000 web links. The article was pointing out the corruption this country has been subjected to over the last 7 plus years as a prelude to its comments about Medicare fraud. Misleading comments by Medicare officials in 2006 led Congress to believe that its efforts to reduce fraudulent and improper claims were successful. “But according to a confidential draft of a federal inspector general’s report, those claims of success… were misleading… Medicare officials told outside auditors to ignore government policies that would have accurately measured fraud, according to the report. For example, auditors were told not to compare invoices from salespeople against doctors’ records, as required by law, to make sure that medical equipment went to actual patients.” I say let’s not be too critical of these Medicare officials. They were wearing their American Flag pin on their lapels during testimony thereby providing them immunity from perjury.
* George Bush’s Peepness Envy ~ England’s spying program on its citizens may be bigger than his – An investigation by The Sunday Telegraph found, “In one week, the average person living in Britain has 3,254 pieces of personal information stored about him or her, most of which is kept in databases for years and in some cases indefinitely… The data include details about shopping habits, mobile phone use, emails, locations during the day, journeys and internet searches.” A recommendation for college students: if you read this article it will not be necessary to read George Orwell’s “1984” next semester. “The book has major significance for its vision of an all-knowing government which uses pervasive and constant surveillance of the populace, insidious and blatant propaganda, and brutal control over its citizens.”
The Washington Post this week published an article about the amount of data the U.S. government is collecting on its own citizens when crossing the borders with Canada and Mexico. Like the terrorist watch list so much information is being collected, ostensibly to protect us, it is doubtful that anyone is actually protected as the system drowns in data.
* “People say that President Nixon had phlebitis. That is simply not true. You don’t screw over 200 million people and get phlebitis. You get syphilis!”
My recollection from a Jackie Mason performance about 20 years ago.
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